Shillong, October 31: The Meghalaya government has announced that self-defence training programmes for girls will be rolled out in schools across rural and urban areas of Meghalaya.
Adviser to the Social Welfare Department Paul Lyngdoh today said, “Self-defence training programmes for girls will be rolled out in schools in both rural and urban areas on a mission mode, and there will be coordination with the police department and the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.”
Also read | Manipur: IDPs Appeal to Defer Sangai Festival Until Resettlement
He also announced that the government will introduce four working women hostels in Shillong, Jowai, Ri Bhoi, and Tura. The hostels aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for working women.
The department has also launched a dedicated 24×7 helpline, 181, for women facing domestic violence, aggression, and other issues.
“For women and problems of domestic violence and aggression, we would like to share that there is a dedicated helpline, 181, which is open 24×7. Any specific complaints or emergencies of violence against women can be reported through this number,” Lyngdoh said.
The government will upgrade and construct toilets in schools in collaboration with the DRDA and Education Department.
The adviser also announced that locally made sanitary pads will be distributed regularly to adolescent girls in all schools, with a focus on rural areas.
“In the last major conclave convened by the department, we invited school students to attend, and sanitary pads, which are locally made, were distributed. This will now be done regularly and will cover all schools across the state, with special focus on adolescent girls and rural areas,” he said.
Also read | Th. Muivah’s Journey Home to Somdal Revives the NSCN’s Spiritual and Political Resolve
Lyngdoh added that the absence of sanitary pads has caused many girls to stay away from schools. “During the last distribution organised at Lariti, we distributed these pads and videographed the event to highlight that from today we will cover the entire state,” he said.
The Women Helpline WorkStation will be refurbished and upgraded within three months.
The department will record testimonies of beneficiaries of the 181 Women Helpline, procure vehicles for the helpline, and complete boundary fencing for One Stop Centres (OSCs) within specified timelines.
“Preparation of the testimonies of the 181 Women Helpline beneficiaries — these are women who have benefitted through our timely intervention — will be recorded to further create awareness about this service. This will be achieved within three months,” Lyngdoh added.
(Newmai News Network)